Strike disrupts normal life in Kashmir

SRINAGAR: Normal life in Kashmir Valley was disrupted today due to a strike called by hardline Hurriyat Conference leader Syed Ali Shah Geelani against detention of separatist leaders and youth campaigning for a boycott of Lok Sabha elections.

Schools, colleges, shops and other business establishments remained closed in most parts of the Valley while public transport remained off the roads due to the strike call.

However, private vehicles could be seen plying on the roads in most parts of Srinagar city, the summer capital of the state.

Officials said while life remained affected in other parts of the Valley also, some shops were open in the interior areas of some districts and towns.

Geelani has called for a strike to protest against the detention of separatist leaders by police while they were campaigning for poll boycott in south Kashmir which is going to polls on April 24.

The Hurriyat hawk has asked people to observe 'civil curfew' on polling days - Arpil 24 (south Kashmir), April 30 (central Kashmir) and May 7 (north Kashmir) - in the Valley.